Thai-ing In Different Cultures

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday February 22, 2006

LISA SEWELL

Cross-cultural cuisine up north at Helensburgh has received a boost thanks to the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge, reports LISA SEWELL

THE OPENING of a new Balinese-style outdoor section at Raya Thai in Helensburgh couldn't have come at a better time.

Owners Irwan and Dedi Ho say the completion of the new dining area last month allowed them to take advantage of the rush of trade due to the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge.

The restaurant, which serves Thai and Indonesian cuisine, is already a favourite with many northern suburbs' residents but is now gaining a lot of business from those travelling down the scenic coast road.

And it's not hard to see why. The couple serves up a tasty array of authentic - and creative - dishes, made with the finest fresh ingredients.

"There's a lot of traditional Thai and Indonesian dishes but there's also a lot of our own creations that you won't find anywhere else," Mrs Ho says.

"I was born in Jakarta and my husband was born in a village called Bandung in west Java, and though we have both been here for more than 20 years, we have a lot of recipes passed down by our families from our home towns which are very different to what is usually served in restaurants here.

"My sister-in-law is Thai so she helps us with that side of things. Indonesian and Thai cuisines complement each other perfectly - Indonesian food is a bit richer and uses a lot of nut-based sauces while Thai food incorporates a lot of herbs like coriander and basil.

"I know people are sometimes reluctant to try these types of cuisine because they think they might be served up something oily, or bland, but we use only the best ingredients and cholesterol-free oil so it makes for guilt-free dining."

The pair established Raya Thai in Helensburgh in 2001, and a family member owns a sister shop in Engadine which has been open since 1988.

Mrs Ho says both restaurants give customers a real taste of Asia - with the menu, decor and fittings all designed to suit the theme.

"As soon as you enter the restaurant you almost feel like you're in Bali - it's very inviting," she says. "And the new outdoor eating area at Helensburgh, with its bamboo fencing, is really spectacular."

Options for entree include curry puffs, Thai fish cakes, Thai-style sang chow bow and prawn and vegetable fritters. Or there's grilled options like satay chicken and marinated lamb cutlets or soups such as Indonesian-style wonton short soup and Thai laksa.

Mains include a selection of curries such as rendang (a popular Indonesian beef curry in spicy coconut sauce); Thai green or massaman curry.

Then there's stir-fried options like bumbu tauco (Indonesian-style black bean sauce with vegetables and a choice of meat) or Pad Kra Pow (Thai-style dish with a touch of chilli, basil and seasoning).

Specials change daily to allow regular customers to try something new and any requests or variations are not a problem.

The restaurant also caters for special events.

The lowdown

What: Raya Thai.

Where: Shop 4, 115-119 Parkes St, Helensburgh.

Phone: 4294 9222.

Hours: Open seven nights from 5-10pm.

Food: Indonesian/Thai cuisine.

Signature dish: Satay chicken.

Owners: Irwan and Dedi Ho.

Head chef: Irwan Ho.

Vegetarians: Most dishes can be adapted for vegetarians. As well there are many dedicated vegetarian offerings.

Coffee: Crave.

Crowd: Northern suburbs' residents and visitors to the Illawarra and South Coast.

Seating: 55 inside; 15 outside.

Wheelchair access: Yes.

Payment: Cash, EFTPOS, most major credit cards.

Licensed: BYO.

Children: Children's menu available, including meal, drink and ice-cream with topping for $9.50.

Takeaway and delivery: Takeaway available, with loyalty card. No delivery.

Parking: Plenty of spaces available.

© 2006 Illawarra Mercury

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